Growing Wings

GROWING WINGS brings the transformative power of movement to children, offering hope and healing in hospitals in the greater Los Angeles area.

Developed by Ava Kaufman and Isabel Kilroe, two accomplished dance professionals and Emotion driven Movement Therapy counselors, GROWING WINGS harnesses the power of dance and expressive movement to support children’s emotional, cognitive, physical, social, and spiritual well-being.

Children facing illness often grapple with anxiety, stress, and emotional uncertainty. GROWING WINGS is a fun, interactive, and therapeutic (in-hospital) program designed to help these children navigate their emotions, build resilience, and develop a deeper connection to themselves through movement and joy.

The Benefits of the Growing Wings Program

Through creative dance, expressive movement, relaxation techniques, role-playing, improvisation, sense therapy, and interactive games, GROWING WINGS offers children:

• A new way to express emotions beyond words
• A greater awareness of their own bodies and abilities
• Stress and anxiety relief through relaxation and mindfulness techniques
• Increased confidence, self-esteem, and self-knowledge
• Stronger social connections with peers through movement and play
• Enhanced creative problem-solving and a more flexible mindset

By integrating these techniques, the program reshapes a child’s self-perception, equipping them with tools to cope, heal, and flourish beyond medical challenges while fostering a sense of wellness and peace.

Isabel Kilroe

A highly accomplished ballet dancer and Emotion-in-Motion therapist, Isabel Kilroe brings a wealth of experience to GROWING WINGS. She trained at the Royal Academy of Dance (London) and the Bolshoi Ballet Academy (Moscow) before launching a professional career with some of the world’s most prestigious ballet companies, including:

• The Bolshoi Ballet
• The Mariinsky Theater
• The National Ballet of Cuba
• The National Ballet of Mexico

Beyond her classical dance career, Isabel is a certified Breathwork and Movement Trauma Healing specialist, dedicated to using movement as a therapeutic tool for healing and self-discovery. She currently teaches Emotion-in-Motion Therapy (EMT) at various institutions, helping children to reconnect with their bodies and emotions through movement.

Originally from Mexico City, Isabel is fluent in English and Spanish and has a working knowledge of French and Russian.